MOTAT's new Aviation Hall digital immersive experience Te Kōtiu: Stories from the Skies is already loved by visitors for the way it brings our Collection to life and narrates Aotearoa New Zealand's history of flight – from kuaka to aerospace. Now this incredible storytelling has been recognised on an international stage with a prestigious award!

Opening May 25, Te Puawānanga is set to radically redefine the way our tamariki engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with the development marking the most significant investment in visitor experience at Auckland’s iconic transport and technology museum in more than a decade.

Due to demand, the competition has been extended to students in years 7-10 AND years 11-13 for 2024.

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Hickman-Goodall as their new Museum Director / Chief Executive, effective 1 July 2024. 

Te Kōtiu – stories from the skies, MOTAT's new immersive digital experience in the Aviation Hall, has been shortlisted for a prestigious international award!

We are delighted and proud to announce the name chosen for the science and technology centre at MOTAT Great North Road, due to open in 2024.

Long-standing Chief Executive / Museum Director Michael Frawley (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāpuhi) has announced his decision to step down from his role at MOTAT at the end of June 2024 after successfully steering MOTAT through a significant period of change over almost 11 years.

LIVE DAY: Rail will see the culmination of many years’ restoration work come to fruition when two early 20th century locomotives are launched into MOTAT service for visitor enjoyment.

MOTAT’s new Aviation Hall immersive experience Te Kōtiu premiered to rave reviews and was hugely popular with visitors over the October school holidays.

Conservation was a key theme among entries this year with an inventive ‘Humane Trap for Wallabies’ securing first place, and an energy saving solution, ‘Down the Drain’ as runner-up.

MOTAT and Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies announce ongoing sponsorship and collaboration in the Museum's much anticipated new science and technology centre.

Thanks to a significant new partnership between Science Alive and MOTAT, visitors will get to experience the magic of STEMM in action when the museum’s new science and technology centre opens in April 2024.

It’s out with the coal and in with the biofuel for steam tram no. 100, which will operate on a renewable energy source made from trees at MOTAT Live Day on August 20. Developed by Crown Research Institute, Scion, the biofuel will undergo its largest trial to date, which will see 250 kilograms of briquettes supplied to MOTAT to keep the little tram that could, running all day.

In line with its vision to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow, MOTAT last year purchased one of FTN Motion’s first production round of electric urban commuter motorbikes as an example of classic Kiwi backyard tech ingenuity coming to fruition. The MOTAT example comes adorned with specially commissioned artwork.

This July the MOTAT Collections and Workshops teams successfully completed a major logistical exercise, transporting a decommissioned Sikorsky S-76A helicopter from Whangārei airport to the MOTAT Blister Hangar.

Ivan and Beth Hodge had tears in their eyes when reuniting with their 1961 Volkswagen Deluxe Saloon (Beetle) this week, which has been on display at MOTAT since 2016.

MOTAT has acquired an important and unique piece of Aotearoa New Zealand’s transport history for the Road Transport Collection this month.

A panel of distinguished science and technology guests helped launch MOTAT's latest development project to create a STEM experience like no other in New Zealand and inspire our young learners to become the innovators of tomorrow.

MOTAT’s newest exhibition Switch Up: Sustainable Solutions is on show until March 2023 and sees the museum partnering with community action groups and 15 of the most exciting sustainable commercial enterprises in Aotearoa.

Code Breakers: Women in Games will inspire youth to explore gaming careers regardless of their gender identity.

MOTAT’s annual Christmas Lights event is back for its 10th anniversary from 7 - 24 December 2022.

MOTAT’s annual STEM Fair features over 50 exhibitors from STEM fields and is set to impress.

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is excited to announce a new partnership with Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading space specialists, Rocket Lab.

Samsung has again teamed up with the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) to encourage Kiwi kids to apply their skills in STEAM subjects and create solutions that can change the world for the better.

Lasers, rainbows, and magnetic nanoparticles! It’s just some of the extraordinary science that is at your fingertips in the Mighty Small Mighty Bright exhibition popping up in locations in the North and South Island.

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) has today announced the cancellation of its popular annual Christmas Lights event for 2021.

MOTAT was the latest museum in Aotearoa to remove picric acid (an explosive) from its collection last week.

From the earthquakes to terror attacks, Police helicopter legacy will live on.

Dr Siouxsie Wiles to judge new STEAM competition inspiring Kiwi kids to change the world for good

Supporting our community through creative and innovative ideas

MOTAT opens new exhibition celebrating small business success stories in time of hardship.

Back for another year, MOTAT, in conjunction with Auckland Lego® User Group (AuckLUG), presents Bricks and Blocks; the ultimate Lego® fan display! Join us on the 5th and 6th of December 2020 as we showcase an array of intricate and astonishing Lego® displays, including cityscapes, vehicles, pirate ships and of course, trains!

MOTAT is looking for New Zealand inventions and innovations designed, made, or dreamt up during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have something you think belongs in our COVID-19 collection please let us know here.

Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) will be hosting the exhibition Slice of Life – The World Famous Dunedin Study at its Great North Rd site from Wednesday 1 July until Sunday 4 October 2020.

Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) reopened safely to the public on Tuesday 26 May in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Parapara/Ingenious: Innovation in Aotearoa has officially opened at the Museum of Transport and Technology’s (MOTAT).

MOTAT has secured the rights to present the Royal Photographic Society’s prestigious international Science Photographer of the Year exhibition.